From The Child's Perspective

As we ride in the car, I know something is wrong. Mommy looks sad and worried. I said something….something bad… and I am worried too. We are going to a place to talk to people who care about me… that is what Mommy has told me.

As we entered the building I feel better all ready. All the walls are painted with clouds, grass, birds, and a red barn. Oh wow! Look at that playhouse…I hope I get to go in and play. I go in the playhouse to find the dolls, I look up and a lady approaches… she looks nice. She brings us a drink and even says she'll play with me while Mommy talks to the people. The CPS and police man are there too.

The lady showing me to the other room holds my hand and sits me down. She explains this is a talking room and we can talk about ANYTHING in here. She also tells me we will be making a video. She says that is because if there is anything I have to say that is really difficult I hopefully only have to say it once. I feel good about that… I know I have bad things to say… and I am feeling scared again. When she returns we color and draw and talk about my school and family. She asks me to promise to tell the truth… and I do. Then I tell her the bad things. She listens and helps me to talk about the scary things that happened. She tells me sometimes bad things do happen to good children. I thought I was the only one. She also said that the people that work at the CAC, the CPS worker and the policeman were all here to help me… she also told me I was brave and there were lots of people that would help me feel safe again.

When we are done, I go back to my Mommy, she looks better too. One of the ladies wanted me to have a snack and a toy… that was very nice. Mom and I left. Mom said she got a packet from the Family Advocate to help us understand things and that we can call them if we need anything or have any more questions. I am glad for that because I still feel kind of confused. Mommy says we'll go to counseling, and that we will get through this and that he won't ever hurt me again……. I know now I can heal.

THIS IS WHAT HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN, BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS, EXPERIENCE EVERY YEAR AT THE CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER. BEYOND THE INTERVIEW THE CENTER IS HELPING COORDINATE A TEAM THAT IS WORKING TO ENSURE THAT KIDS GET THE INTERVENTION AND SERVICES THEY NEED TO GROW UP HAPPY AND HEALTHY.